To simplify how the gameplay works it is a bit like playing chess where in each turn needs to be scrutinized in order to find the best play on the board. Being that there is a large amount of RPG elements thrown into the game, these choices become even more complicated while also adding a huge amount of options to the game.
There is no immersive mode, which would allow this to be fullscreen on devices that have the Android navigation bar. On top of this the game is letterboxed on both sides of the screen do to it being a port of the port for iOS. There is also no other Android specific features to speak of in the game either.
The touch controls use an on screen dpad overlaid on top of the game. This means fingers move cover some of the game field or action when trying to maneuver.
There is a battle coliseum mode in the game that allows for quick battles against regular enemies and bosses that earn the player experience points. There is no story in this mode and it is meant as more of a quick on the go session that can still earn the player some XP that can be used in the regular story mode.
All monster in game have some form of elemental attribute that is designed to be countered with an opposite element when battling. There are cards to be collected in game that can then be equipped to the players character in order to build a team that can hopefully in most situations counter a wide array of elemental monsters.
The game does not properly support the 4:3 ratio as the text and graphics are cut off the screen on both sides. The game loads upside down and will not rotate to the correct orientation of volume buttons on the top of the device in landscape. There is no immersive mode support either. Overall for a $20 game the glaring lack of optimization for Android is pretty shameful for such a large company that has such a long history of making video games.
Being that all of the freemium aspects are already built into the title it may be a worry that the game could go freemium at the drop of a hat, thus burning anyone who actually paid full price for the title.
The gameplay of the game consists of many of the elements found in free to play titles. There are multiple currencies, multiple characters that can be combined to upgrade as well as other Gatcha style elements. Luckily the game is fully upfront paid with no in app purchases at all.
The humor in Knights of Pen & Paper 2 does not particularly seem all that funny. Often feeling as though it is little childish as well as an easier type of humor that does not require much thinking.
Knights of Pen & Paper 2 can be played in portrait as well as landscape orientations, making for convenient play no matter what device on is using. Also a nice change since the first version as now tablet can have an easier time displaying the game.
The game can be completed without any need for in app purchases making them feel as though they are pretty optional. Though for the impatient they are there to make the game easier by allowing for purchase more players or gear.
Only one of the two latest games released by Square Enix on Android to actually take advantage of immersive mode, which allows for games to show full screen on stock devices hiding the navigation bar.
In most games, characters come with set abilities, gaining them at particular levels, or after defeating enemies, etc. In Final Fantasy IX, your abilities are tied to your items, making it possible to customize your character's skillset. In addition, if you wear some items long enough (meaning you've participated in enough battles), you'll permanently learn the skill and be able to use it regardless of what you've got equipped.
While the story is the central focus in every RPG, Final Fantasy IX takes that to the next level. The plot often switches focus between different characters or parties. One particularly exciting sequence on the second disc features two separate parties trying to escape a sticky situation. The game cuts between the two parties and builds an incredible sense of tension. Moreover, changing circumstances force characters to switch from one party to the other, which creates a real sense of dynamic teamwork.
These sorts of events are what have driven the masses to calling Final Fantasy IX one of the greatest stories ever told.
While the characters in the game have new HD models, the backgrounds and FMVs are basically the same from the original which look out of place when compared to the HD characters as well as in general for an Android game.
The game has been ported to work with a touch interface. There are touch analog controls as well as touch to maneuver to location inputs. It all works pretty good.
With in app purchases that range from $0.99 - $9.99 per item, there is content that some may not experience unless paid for. While the game is free, to sell parts of the game piecemeal is often viewed as anti-consumer due to the fact games used to be sold at a singular price.
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